published monthly no. 2 february...
TRANSCRIPT
5315 OLD CANTON ROAD • JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI 39211 • PHONE 601-956-6215 • FAX 601-952-0895 • WWW.BETHISRAELMS.ORG Founded 1860 — A member of the Union for Reform Judaism, Serving Reform Congregations in North America
ig LIGHTSP U B L I S H E D M O N T H L Y N O . 2 F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 3
Divrei Harav: WorDs from rabbi CoHen
A friend told me recently that she felt disenfranchised at her own church. She had been going there for years. “I got married there!” she exclaimed. But it no longer felt like home. She felt like she didn’t know anyone, and It seemed as if all the new people were trying to change things.
This same story is being told throughout the world in congregations of all faiths including Beth Israel. Of course, there are two sides of the story: new-comers and long-time congregants.
In order to sustain a congregation, we need new members. Our long-time congregants know this and yearn for fresh faces. Without them, we are nothing but a "dying" congregation. In theory, the more new members, the better. The reality may be a little more intimidating, especially if it seems like our congregation is being taken over by people we don’t know.
For new-comers, there are different challenges. It can be almost scary to enter a community where it seems like everyone already knows each other and speaks a secret language. What is a white elephant? Why are people mispronouncing the word Highlights? Blast what? Bic? A pen? Why are people using two different sized prayer books in the same service, and which one should I use? These questions, congregational culture and vocabulary are made even more complicated if someone wasn’t raised in an actively Jewish home.
Add to all this the misconception of who is the long-time congregant and who is the new-comer? For someone who has been a member of Beth Israel all their life - over 50 years - you’re a new-comer if you haven’t lived in Jackson for at least 30 years. For someone who has been at Beth Israel for one year, the person who has been here for 5 years is a long-time congregant.
What can we make of this? • It doesn’t matter how long we have been members of Beth Israel. We all have investment in and
ownership of this congregation. • Come to temple to meet the people you don’t know. Enjoy gaining wisdom and history from some, and
being energized with new ideas from others. • If you see a face you don’t know, introduce yourself. It is unimportant who has been a member for how
long. It is only important that we can create meaningful relationships with each other.
We are all here for the same reason: because we are looking for something more... for ourselves, for our families, and we can find it here at Beth Israel with each other.
2 B E T H I S R A E L C O N G R E G AT I O N
RSVP By February 1st [email protected]
Beth Israel Annual Meeting
Sunday, February 10th4:30 p.m.
BIC Social Hall
Agenda:1. Temple 2013 Budget2. Constitutional Changes3. Vote on Sitting Officers for Temple Board President, Rebecca Laskin (1 year term) 1st VP, Howard Katz (1 year term) 2nd VP, Lawrence Haber (1 year term) Treasurer, Mindy Humphrey (1 year term) Comptroller, Peter Sharp (1 year term) Secretary, Betsy Samuels (1 year term)4. Vote on slate of candidates for Board of Trustees Eric Balfour – Trustee (3 year term) Debra Jacobs – Trustee (3 year term)
Talmud Class
New Tractate Started:Chagigah, Chapter 2
BIC Library
Thursdays @ Noon
Topics: Secrets of Creation and Early Mysticism
Shabbat ServiceHonors
Contact the Temple Office if you would like
601-956-6215
W W W. B E T H I S R A E L M S . O R G 3
featuring Jacobs Camp’s 2013 Song Leader Nick May!
Friday, March 1st at 6:15 PM
Proceeds of this dinner benefit the Beth Israel Scholarship Fund for Jacobs Camp!
(Additional donations accepted, but not required)
RSVP to BIC by Wednesday, February 27 to reserve your spot
If you pay online please notate HSJ Shabbat
J.C., Gary and Ellen can’t wait to see you!!
Join us for
the
Beth Israel Henry S. Jacobs Camp Shabbat
Fried Chicken Dinner immediately following
$10 for adults, $5 for children (you pick the age!)
Balancing Mind, Body and Spirit
Jewish Yoga:
We need 10 people to keep it going!
Wednesdays @ 7:30-8:30pm
$5 per session
Beginners are Welcome!
Instructor Debi Lewis (owner of JoyFlow Yoga), and BIC Member Hannah Orlansky
4 B E T H I S R A E L C O N G R E G AT I O N
Special talk on the History and Heritage
of Black Jews
February 156:15pm
Shabbat Services
By Azriel Devine
Purimis Right Around the Corner!
We are looking for actors, singers and just random crazy people for our
Annual Purim Spiel!"Greased Purim"
Date of Spiel:Saturday, February 23rd
7:00pm
NO talent required just energy and enthusiasm!
Limited rehearsals and lots of fun!
Contact Ben Russell [email protected]
Order Your Purim Hamantaschen!
BITY is selling Hamentaschen direct
from Ricki’s Kosher Bakery in Memphis! You haven’t
celebrated Purim until you’ve tried one of
these cookies!
Price: $8.50 per box ($9.50 when you order from Ricki!)
Choose from these 5 delicious flavors:Apricot, strawberry, poppy, chocolate or assorted fruit
Return your order form and payment to Traci at the Temple. Orders are due no later than
Friday, February 8th.
Questions? Contact Traci - [email protected](601) 956-6215
E-mail orders are accepted at the address above.
BITY Hamentaschen Fundraiser Order FormParve Kosher from Ricki’s Bakery in Memphis
Name:Phone number:
I would like to order: boxes of apricot boxes of poppy boxes of assorted fruit boxes of strawberry boxes of chocolateTOTAL: boxes at $8.50 eachI’d like to make an additional donation to BITY: $Total cost (order and donation): $
Please make checks payable to BITYReturn this form to Traci no later than Friday, 2/8
5315 Old Canton Rd. Jackson, MS [email protected] • 956-6215
* 9 in a box
W W W. B E T H I S R A E L M S . O R G 5
The Earl Hill Academy of Interfaith Studies:
Join us for a Spring Series discussing challenges between Christians, Jews, and Muslims.
Began January 29thYou can join at anytime!
We will learn more about each other and then ask the "hard questions" with Beth Israel Congregation,
Wells United Methodist Church, and the Raindrop Turkish House.
9 Sessions starting at 6:00pmDinner will be served.
Request of $50 contribution for entire program
Location: first 3 sessions at BIC, next 3 at Wells United Methodist Church,
last 3 at Raindrop Turkish House
RSVP & Questions:Contact Rabbi Valerie Cohen
PurimCarnival
Sun. February 24th10:30am @ Beth Israel
Games!
Prizes!
Cake Walk!
Hamantaschen!
Come in Costume!Face Painting!
Bounce House!
Pie throwing!Arts and Crafts!
Play Wii!
$10—unlimited games and activities!
Lunch and snacks available to purchase.
and more...
Sponsored by BITY
Another proud presentation of theGoldring/Woldenberg Institute of Southern Jewish Life
For more information on the ISJL – www.isjl.org
The Baal Shem Tones ConcertHelene & Michael Kates
Sunday, February 24th 12:30pm @ Beth Israel, following the Purim Carnival
Come at noon to purchase lunch & support BITY!
A Baal Shem Tones concert is more than great music; for many it is a spiritual event that stays with them for years. Helene and her husband Michael, the duo’s producer, co-write most of their material, a tightly crafted style of pop-influenced Americana which has been described as “100% American and 100% Jewish,” with a powerful spiritual punch that stands out!
6 B E T H I S R A E L C O N G R E G AT I O N
THe sisTerHooD spoTligHT
Many of us are familiar with David Letterman’s Top 10 List. I have decided to put one of my own together to give you an idea of what I learned so far from being Sisterhood President. Starting from the bottom.
10. How to do a group email9. How to run a meeting using an agenda8. Writing an article for Chailights7. Giving the announcements on Friday night Shabbat services6. Resolving issues between board members5. Planning events for the entire congregation4. Cooking Brisket for Chanukah Dinner3. Writing a monthly report for temple board meetings2. Staying within a planned budget for each event and last but not least1. Keeping my sanity.
Sisterhood certainly keeps me very busy. For all of you who know me I appreciate everyone’s help when asked and I especially would like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers who help make this organization successful.
We will be asking a lot over the next few months as we prepare for the Annual Bazaar on April 10th. I hope we can count on everyone’s support.
With warm regards,
Charna Schlakman, President Beth Israel Sisterhood
Judaica Gift Shop
all items
Hours:
Fridays right before service & Sundays during Religious School
During the week by appointment.
Sunday, February 17th at 11:00 a.m. Please join us. Everyone is welcome.
Our February selection is:
Unorthodox:
The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
by Deborah Feldman
Sisterhood Monthly MeetingSunday, February 10th at 3:00 p.m.
Come, relax, and enjoy the fun!
Topics: Bazaar & the upcoming camp
weekend
SAVE THE DATE!
Second Seder
Tuesday, March 26th6:00 PM
BIC Social HallMore details to come.
W W W. B E T H I S R A E L M S . O R G 7
Beth Israel Sisterhood Bazaar Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Cooking News: for Chefs, Sous Chefs, and anyone who can use a knife to chop...
Cooking Dates:
Matzah Ball Making: Feb. 10th from 9AM-1PM (Rebecca Laskin)
Cabbage Roll Cooking Day: Mar. 3rd(Past Chair Paula Loeb will be returning from
Atlanta to help and train a new Chair)Call Carol Kossman if you’re interested.
Kugel for Hot Line & Take Home Booth: Mar. 17th (Betsy Samuels)
Salad Making Days: April 8th & 9thCarrot Tsimmes: TBA
(Beth Orlansky)Brisket: TBA- (Susan Rockoff)
multi-day cooking/slicing/packaging experience
(please contact chairs for more info)
JUST DAYS BEFORE THE BAZAAR - "VOLUNTEER OPPURTUNITIES"
Sunday (April 7) Set-up:• Help the Men’s Club set up tables and PVC pipes for booths• Decorate Social Hall• Set out SuppliesLast-minute Cooking - We need many extra hands!Chicken Soup (Sunday, April 7)Babaganounoush (Monday, April 8)Tabbouleh (Monday, April 8)Cole Slaw (Monday or Tuesday, April 8 or 9)Corned beef Slicing (Monday or Tuesday, April 8 or 9)Chicken Salad (Tuesday, April 9)
Other Information You Need to Know:• We will be calling to ask for help for a variety of things - please say yes!• Start collecting your White Elephant Items• Continue soliciting for the Silent Auction• Bake, bake, bake - for Take Home Food Booth and Gourmet Dessert Booth
46th Annual
Silent Auction Update It’s time to start collecting items for the 2013 Bazaar Silent Auction. Last year, we did very well because of the efforts of a lot of people. In particular, we had great success with some really creative contributions from our Temple members. Please decide early what you can contribute this year. Here are some ideas: Ask your hairdresser, nail technician, masseuse, etc. for a donation. If you are having lunch or dinner out, ask the restaurant manager for a gift card contribution. Only one person, however, should ask for a donation from a business. Check with me to ensure that we do not “double-dip”. Do you have a service or talent you can offer? Are you an artist? Beautiful crafts and/or handmade items are welcome. You can also purchase something for the Silent Auction. On a tight budget? Ask someone to split the cost with you. We have also had some beautiful items “regifted” to the Silent Auction in the past. These items are welcome, but they must be new and unused. Please let me know ASAP what you can do for the 2013 Silent Auction! I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate your support.
– Susan Fijman, Silent Auction Chairperson
Thank you so much to all of our cooking chairpeople!They need volunteers: including experienced
volunteers from years past and new ones.If you have never cooked for the Bazaar before, this is your chance! No knowledge or experience required. Watch the blast or contact the chairs to
let them know you are excited to help.Cooking in large quantities with an eclectic group of
people is a lot of fun!
It takes a lot of work to make this incredible Bazaar happen, but it’s all worth it.
“It’s not your job to complete the entire task, but neither are you free from it.” Pirkei AvotIt takes more than one person to make the Sisterhood Bazaar happen -
it takes the participation of our entire congregation!
8 B E T H I S R A E L C O N G R E G AT I O N
Southwest Schmooze
April 12-14, 2013Henry S. Jacobs Camp
3863 Morrison Road, Utica, MS
Open to ALL Jewish women. You do not have to be a member of Sisterhood or Beth Israel Congregation.
A woman's retreat filled with yoga,
canoeing, bonding time, great food,
great drinks, and special liturgy.
If you have any questions, contact Jan Docter601-842-1550 or [email protected]
Name:
Congregation:
City:
Phone number:
Email:
I'd like to room with:
I have these dietary concerns:
Registration covers all meals and lodging.
$150 early registration by March 1st
$175 regular registration by March 20th
$200 late registration after March 20th
Make checks payable to WRJ Southwest DistrictSend to Nicole Villalpando
9608 Tea Rose Trail, Austin, TX [email protected]
W W W. B E T H I S R A E L M S . O R G 9
*Why not a make a day or weekend of it? Family-friendly attractions in Jackson include the new Mississippi Children’s Museum, The Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, and the Jackson Zoo.
@
Saturday, March 3, 2012 Two Times Offered For Your Convenience
TOUR TIME ALEPH11:00 AM Camp Tour 12:30 PM Lunch (on us!)
TOUR TIME BET12:30 PM Lunch (on us!) 1:30 PM Camp Tour
For Prospective Families, Open House is a great opportunity for you and your child/children to
check out Jacobs Camp.
The tour will include a typical Camper Cabin, and all of our Recreational Facilities. Plus, you’ll get to have any and all of your questions answered by the Camp Director and Assistant Director.
Reservations are requested. Please call (601-885-6042) or email ([email protected]) and let us know which tour time you
are choosing and how many will be in your party.
We look forward to sharing Jacobs Camp with you!
w w w . j a c o b s . u r j c a m p s . o r g
Saturday, March 9, 2013Two Times Offered For Your Convenience
Tour Time Aleph 11:00 AM Camp Tour 12:30 PM Lunch (on us!)
Tour Time Bet 12:30 PM Lunch (on us!) 1:30 PM Camp Tour
For Prospective Families, Open House is a great opportunity for you and your
child/children to check out Jacobs Camp.
The tour will include a typical Camper Cabin, and all of our Recreational Facilities. Plus, you'll get to have any and all of your questions answered by the Camp
Director and Assistant Director.
Reservations are requested. Please call (601-885-6042) or email ([email protected]) and
let us know which tour time you are choosing and how many will be in your party.
We look forward to sharing Jacobs Camp with you!
www.jacobs.urjcamps.org
Campaign for Kindness: Congregant Spotlight
The main challenge for Jan Docter is saying “no” when someone asks her to do something. Whether it is providing a meal, answering phones in the temple office, giving transportation to others, or other jobs needed at temple, Jan is one of the first people to volunteer or say yes. In fact, Jan can never understand why there are not 20 voices alongside of hers volunteering at the same time - because everyone should have the same dedication to help others - it’s just what Jews do, she would say. When I first began the Campaign for Kindness, I often found little scraps of paper on my desk, notes telling me of the kind acts that other people did. Jan was one of the only ones who nominated others for this Congregant Spotlight. It takes a special person to notice when other people are being kind.Keep it up, Jan, but say “no” at least once in a while.
Thirteen Principles and Straight on ‘till NFTYFind your way to NFTY— a magical place, your Reform
High School Never Never Land!
NFTY Southern Junior Youth Group Kallah for 6th-8th graders
March 8-10, 2013 at Jacobs CampRegistration is open! Www.nfty.org/so/events/jyg
Username: nftyso Password:southern18
For more information, talk to Traci! ([email protected])
10 B E T H I S R A E L C O N G R E G AT I O N
announCemenTs | birTHDays & anniversariesannounCemenTs | birTHDays & anniversaries
2/1 Tikkun Olam Shabbat, 6:15pm2/5 EHIA @ BIC, 6:00pm2/8 Ian Rost's Bar Mitzvah, 6:15pm2/9 Ian Rost's Bar Mitzvah, 10:15am2/10 Annual Meeting, 4:30pm2/12 EHIA @ BIC, 6:00pm2/15 History & Heritage of Black Jews Talk during Shabbat Services, 6:15pm2/17 Executive Committee Meeting, 10:00am2/18 Office Closed for President's Day2/19 EHIA @ Wells Methodist Church, 6:00pm2/21 Monthly Board Meeting, 6:00pm2/23 Purim Spiel, 7:00pm2/24 Purim Carnival
Happy birTHDay To... 2/1 David Docter 2/2 John Craig 2/2 Marilyn Greenberg 2/3 Jay Hesdorffer 2/3 Efrem Lehman 2/3 Rachel Lehman 2/5 Melissa Daniel 2/7 Susan Fijman 2/7 Theresa Priebatsch 2/7 Michael Torchinsky 2/8 Robyn Levy 2/10 Jonathan Norris
2/11 Hannah Kaminsky 2/12 Steve Jacobson 2/12 Harold Kolodney 2/14 Shelby Barham 2/14 Shirley Eriksen 2/15 Susan Hart 2/15 Kimbereley Rost 2/17 Gabriel Cohen 2/18 Betsy Samuels 2/19 Joseph Samuels 2/21 David Norris 2/22 Ruth Docter
2/22 William Howell 2/22 Abram Orlansky 2/22 Ian Rost 2/23 Debra Jacobs 2/24 Honorine Weiss 2/26 Matthew Dobel 2/27 Zoey Rockoff 2/27 Mary Ann Schwartz 2/27 Albert Wahba 2/28 Benjamin Chaidell
DaTes To rememberHappy anniversary To... 2/10 Sally and Phil Cohen 2/18 Trenia and Irv Feldman 2/21 Kay and David Grishman
from THe offiCe
• Contributions processed after February 10th will be included in the April issue of ChaiLights. • To protect your privacy and ensure checks are handled in a timely manner, please put all checks in the
black lock box by the BIC Office door. The box is conveniently located on the wall to the left of the door. PLEASE DON'T LEAVE CHECKS ANYWHERE ELSE. Thank you!
• Reports and articles for the March issue of ChaiLights are due Monday, Feb. 11th. Submissions can be e-mailed* to [email protected]. Submissions received after the 11th will be included on a space-available basis. *Please note in the subject line “(March 2012) ChaiLights submission.”
W W W. B E T H I S R A E L M S . O R G 11
In Memory of Elaine CrystalBy Syril Portnoy to the Cemetery FundBy Harriet and Jack Humphreys to the General FundBy Arleen and Aaron Priest to the Cemetery FundBy Mr. and Mrs. Richard Dean to the Cemetery Fund
In Memory of Beth SollekBy Syril Portnoy to the Cemetery Fund
In Memory of Chester KossmanBy Carol Kossman to the Capital Fund
To the Rabbi’s Discretionary FundBy Laurie and James NeidorfBy Jeanette BriggsBy Bill Morris
In Memory of Burton FriedmanBy Amy and Arty Finkelberg to the Capital Fund
To the Capital Improvement FundBy Janice and Bernard Blumenthal
For Recovery of Ellen AlexanderBy Jan and David Docter to the Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund
To the Saturday Morning Service FundBy Bette Shornick
In Memory of Kerry S. BriggsBy Jeanette Briggs and Family to the Cemetery Fund
In honor of the Birthdays of Bette Shornick, Marcia Walsh, and Rebecca LaskinBy Luise Draft to the Capital Improvement Fund
Best Wishes for the Holiday Season to the Haber FamilyBy Luise Draft to the Capital Improvement Fund
To the Beth Israel Endowment FundBy Amy and Arty Finkelberg
In Memory of Andrew OrkinBy the Gavant Family to the Cemetery Fund By Richard Gavant to the Cemetery FundBy Syril Portnoy to the Cemetery Fund
In Memory of Laurence GavantBy Richard Gavant to the Cemetery Fund
In Memory of Jill GavantBy Richard Gavant to the Shirim Choir Fund
In Memory of Myron GavantBy Richard Gavant to the General Fund
In Memory of Lorrayne GavantBy Richard Gavant to the Tikkun Olam Fund
In Honor of Carol Kossman’s BirthdayBy Dana and Jonathan Larkin to the Tikkun Olam Fund
In Appreciation for B’nai Tzedek Shabbat HonorsBy Dana and Jonathan Larkin to the Tikkun Olam Fund
In Memory of Mel KorelitzBy Lynne and Roger Rosenfield to the Cemetery FundBy Amy and Arty Finkelberg to the Cemetery Fund
You can now make secure online payments at www.bethisraelms.org
Types of payments:
Contributions
Dues/Commitments
Religious School Fees
Check it Out!
5315 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: 601.956.6215 Fax: 601.952.0895
February 1-2
Thelma Mitchell*Nathan OstrovAlfred Sternberg*Abby Hesdorffer*Miriam Moran*Adolph H. Schwartz*Eva MarmelClarence GoodwinBruno MarcusEffie PhillipsDinah Evans*William FriedmanLee Lehman Gotthelf*Abram Hyman OrlanskyPhoebe Abraham SpencerEdward HulickViola Lucus
February 8-9
Jimmy GordonJames Lucien LoebHarry MagidsonAbram AbramovitchJudy Feldman*Joseph FisherB. Lewis Garshman*Jennie RosenzweigMark BergerLouis Falk*William Hirsch*Muriel MerlinYonodav C AlloucheAugusta Engel Lehman*M.A. LewisRuth Taub*Ruth Cohen*Avi SchaeferCamilla Wahba
February 15-16
Erwin AdlerRuth ChamowMarguerite Hatry*Riki HoffbergDave FisherEsther LevinAvi SchaeferMinnie Ascher*Ettie Cohen*Joe PepperSidney PollackCelia B. AbromsonLouis BinderRichard BrownReba Gavant
February 22-23
Lillian HortonFrank KuerschnerFrieda Levy*Joseph David SollekA.D. Oppenheim*Aaron OzeriGailynn Ava PollackMilton SmithRuth FeldmanErvin GolodHenry GreenbergEsther SegalYvonne BreauxPhillip EisenstattDenise Elfassy HamouIrene Adele CessnaBetty KreismanRuth Muskin*Sarah NechamkinFannie Swartz
Yahrzeits for February 2013We Remember